ADI in Costa Rica!

We just got back from being on program in beautiful Costa Rica and it was an unparalleled experience to say the least! The property we were at was the J.W. Marriott Guanacaste, which is housed conveniently along the coast on a portion of the property of a working hacienda called Hacienda Pinilla.

Hacienda Pinilla is located in the canton of Santa Cruz, Guanacaste Province and is 45,000 acres of natural environment. Being a working hacienda with sugarcane fields, cashew trees and home to some of Costa Rica’s unique wildlife, you’re likely to run into some of the Hacienda’s working cowboys as they ride along on horseback during your visit.  Some other natural inhabitants of the hacienda include howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans, butterflies and much more!

Nestled beautifully along the coast of Hacienda Pinilla, the J.W. Marriott resort offers something everyone can enjoy. Guests can experience the unforgettable sunset’s everyday as they discover a cool and exotic drink on Mansita beach, or swim in the property’s winding  infinity pool while previewing the rolling waves coming in off of the pacific ocean. The property offers four restaurants and two bars, with unique ambiances and culinary styles that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
 

Experience the authentic Costa Rican culture in one of the many local beach towns. Tamarindo is the perfect little getaway town to immerse yourself into the local culture. Surf town by day and local hangout by night, you’re sure to experience the popular Costa Rican spirit of La Pura Vida. Dance the night away in one of Tamarindo’s salsa clubs, have an exotic cocktail beachside in one of the towns many lounges, or sit back wherever you can find a seat and enjoy the local fireworks  show on the beach!
  

Want to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica up close and personal? Try gliding through the natural forests on a zip line, or whisking through the crocodile infested mangroves on one of their famous boat tours. Kayak your way out to the perfect snorkeling haven filled with exotic fish and other marine animals to enjoy, or gear up for an ATV ride through various terrains of the natural landscape. Whatever your desire, it’s sure to be found in the beauty of Costa Rica. 

Margaret

Four Seasons Hawaii Office Visit

The Four Seasons Hualalai and Lanai Hawaii sales reps were in the office today and reminded us of why they are so fantastic. Four Seasons includes many amentities that most resorts charge for. Some of these amenities are complimentary cabanas, access to fitness room, snorkel equipment, scuba clinics, tennis and golf putting greens. The two Hawaii hotels have a tremendous amount of outdoor meeting space. Your groups could do a dinner/reception each evening with a totally different look and feel.  

Did you know that the Four Seasons owns the only 2 hotels located on Lanai. This is no tourist trap, so there are no annoying long lines on this island. With an average population of 3000 people you can enjoy the beaches without the crowds. You can't help but relax on this laid back, easy going, uncrowded island and doing it in style no less at the Four Seasons.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a beach chair and a Mai Tai!

Kelly

State of the Meeting Industry 2011

 I was fortunate to attend the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of MPI on Tuesday  for an educational seminar about  Meeting Industry Trends and Forecast for 2011 published by FutureWatch.  I am  happy to report that the meetings industry is predicted to keep moving upward at a steady pace in 2011 and  that the number of  meetings overall  in 2011 is expected to increase 11% with meeting spend revenue is expected to increase 14%.  Of that increase, 30% will be from Third Party Firms such as ADI Meetings & Events. 
Even though it's a slow, steady upward trend,  all in all, the future looks bright for the industry!

Lin C.
 

ADI Sales Team in Las Vegas

As I headed out the door for the ADI sales team meeting in Vegas last month, I wondered how much different Vegas would be. This had been my longest hiatus from Vegas, a full 2 years. Having been to Vegas many times I know things change in that town quite frequently. For anyone that has been to Vegas before you know that the strip can be deceiving. What may look like a short walk from one casino to the next is really a long journey certainly not to be attempted wearing uncomfortable shoes. I'm sure that the many walkways over the street have cut down on accidents and  helped to improve traffic. What they have also done is increase your walk time from one casino to the next. More of these walkways have been added so there are very few places that you can actually cross at street level. A great alternative to getting around is the Deuce, which is a double decker bus that stops at almost every casino. It's 7.00 for an all day pass and trust me, it's worth it. I use to take this for the long trips, maybe Mirage to Luxor but now if you are just going to the casino next door, the bus is a huge time saver. 

Freemont Street is looking better. They added in a zip line ride that you can take from one end to the other. The Golden Nugget did some very cool remodeling. They built a hip pool area with a waterslide that goes through this massive fish tank. Anyway it's very cool and worth checking out. If you are nostalgic like me there are currently some classic neon signs scattered throughout Freemont Street, on loan from the neon museum.

Was nice to see Tropicana doing a whopping 180 million dollar renovation, which should be done this summer. It has a very lite airy feel to it, so not your typical Vegas casino. Again it's coming along wonderfully and worth checking out.

The Cosmopolitan is another newer hotel worth walking into. The casino floor is a feast for the eyes. The massive chandeliers are really spectacular.

As I looked around at all the new things to see, I'm a bit perplexed and a bit sad that I don't remember what was there before. In a town where they love to implode buildings, I often long for the old days of Vegas. It's so nice to see some of the nostalgic hotels like Tropicana remodeling rather than tearing down. These days you have to look hard to find the free lounge shows, Elvis impersonators and show girls. Today's Vegas is all about the newest Cirque show or hottest recording artist. I guess in the end that's what Vegas has always been about what's new and hip, so out with the old and in with the new! Can't wait to see what's next! 

Kelly 

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